YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobler

lines on the record: 436
first: 2011-12-06
most recent: 2017-06-07
sittings or episodes: 22
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I urge Kurdistan region authorities to complete all preparations for conducting the elections Without further delay. On 30 June, however, the Kurdistan regional Parliament decided to postpone presidential elections for two years. That is a matter of concern. Elections are the backbone of democracy. UNAMI supports regular and timely elections at all levels. The improvement in Iraq's regional relations is best highlighted by the great strides the country has made towards restoring the international standing it had before 1990. I would like to commend the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait on their determination to complete the boundary maintenance project in a timely manner and to form a successor bilateral technical arrangement, bringing closure to resolution 833 (1993).”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I would like to reiterate our strong support for those efforts, as they are proof that differences can be bridged only through direct dialogue. I therefore wish to renew UNAMI's offer to assist at any stage. In particular, UNAMI's role in resolving the situation in the disputed internal boundaries is at the core of our mandate. I am afraid not much could be achieved during my tenure. Similarly, I am encouraged by the intentions of all components in Kirkuk to hold elections there. I sponsored a number ofmeetings in Baghdad and Kirkuk in order to bridge differences among the components. We continue to offer our good offices in that regard. I welcome the decision to hold the parliamentary and provincial elections in the Kurdistan region on 21 September.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I am also pleased to report that Arab-Kurdish relations, which had reached their own crossroads, are now once again on the path towards improvement. That is best characterized by the bold decisions that both leaderships have taken. Reciprocating a visit by the Kurdistan region's Prime Minister Barzani on 29 April, Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki went to Erbil on 9 June and held a session ofthe council ofministers. A few days ago, President Massoud Barzani travelled to Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Al-Maliki, Speaker Usama Al-Nujaifi and other political leaders. Those mutual visits are an encouraging sign of leadership and statesmanship on both sides. Seven joint Baghdad-Erbil committees are now negotiating unresolved and crucial matters, including the federal budget, the oil and gas law, disputed boundaries and security arrangements.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I am reassured by the fact that the elections that were postponed in Anbar and Ninewa were finally held on 20 June. I was heartened to see voters head to the polls despite the existence of threats of violence and attack. As the newly elected representatives form their local Governments, I hope that this process will soon translate to tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. Taken together, the elections on 20 April and 20 June were the first elections that Iraqis managed completely by themselves. I would like to therefore congratulate the Chairman, Commissioner and staff of the Independent High Electoral Commission for the professional manner in which they supervised, organized and conducted the elections.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I have condemned the violence and called on the Government to launch a public, independent and transparent investigation and to bring to justice those responsible to justice. In the aftermath of Hawija, a number of armed groups are once again active. Some are affiliated with terrorist groups such as Al-Qaieda. Others are well- known militias that are allegedly kidnapping and killing based solely on the sect of their victims. Recent provincial council elections point to Iraq's ability to take another path towards peace and stability. On 20 April, more than 6 million Iraqi voters, of which 3 million were women, went to cast their votes in 12 of Iraq's 18 provinces. I am pleased to report that the day was marked by an acceptable turnout rate, averaging more than 50 per cent on a national basis.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I therefore appeal to all leaders and representatives to end the stalemate by enacting the proposed amendments and laws. I also call upon the demonstrators to maintain the peacefulness of their protests and to engage in a sincere and constructive dialogue without further delay. The need to resolve the demonstrator crisis is more pressing than ever. Iraqis were reminded of the risks during the early morning hours of Tuesday, 23 April. Iraqi security forces clashed with demonstrators in Kirkuk's southern town of Hawija. According to our investigations the Iraqi security forces used excessive force in the face of largely unarmed demonstrators, leading to the death of 45 people and injuring another 110, almost all of them were civilians. Hawija unleashed a wave of deadly standoffs and attacks across Iraq.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“In that context, the Government of Iraq agreed to a UNAMI- led verification mechanism on the release of female detainees. The United Nations has remained the only international actor to reach out to the demonstrators and their leaders in a public way. We have continued to visit them in places such as Mosul and Ramadi, and even in cities outside Iraq. To promote a negotiated solution, UNAMI has established a set of principles that should guide any dialogue initiative. The principles affirm, first, the the unity and integrity of Iraqi territory; secondly, the rejection of all forms of violence; thirdly, the eradication of all forms of sectarian incitement; fourthly, respect for the Constitution as the supreme law; and, fifthly, upholding all fundamental freedoms and human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“On the legislative side, senior government and political leaders have endeavoured to produce mutually acceptable draft laws that address the demonstrators' demands. I am pleased to report that this process has borne some fruit. In April, the Council of Ministers approved three key amendments to controversial laws, which have now been introduced for consideration in Parliament. Unfortunately, the enactment of those amendments in Parliament, along with other important legislation, is still pending. I have continued to pursue UNAMI's mandate to promote national reconciliation. I have done so by consulting repeatedly and consistently with senior leaders, religious authorities and representatives of key parties. I have also offered my good offices. Our aim was to facilitate contacts among national actors.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“Those include the ongoing political stalemate and the Syrian crisis. Almost seven months after the first protests broke out in Ramadi, demonstrators are still holding sit-ins on international highways and public squares throughout Iraq's western governorates. They claim that the Government has yet to fulfil their demands. In turn, the Government indicates that it has persisted in its efforts to meet those demands. For instance, the Government announced that it had released approximately 8,000 detainees. Similarly, the Government has reported that, as ofl July, the committee chaired by Mr. Al-Shahristani had reinstated pensions and lifted property seizures, among other measures, that affect 300,000 citizens in a positive manner.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“The country can continue to make important strides in deepening the roots of democracy, pursuing reform, embracing diversity and improving its stature in the international community; or Iraq can go down a dangerous path, potholed with political impasse and sectarian violence at each turn, leading to increased instability. The Iraqi people and their leaders now face a set of critical decisions, the outcome of which will leave a lasting impact on their future. I am deeply concerned by the recent events in Iraq. I regret to report that the past four months have been among Iraq's bloodiest in the past five years. Nearly 3,000 men, women and children have been killed, and over 7,000 more injured. The perpetrators of that violence are taking advantage of two leading factors of instability in the country.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“Mr. Kobler: At the outset of this meeting, please allow me to wish everyone a blessed month of Ramadan. I am honoured to present to the Council today the third report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2061 (2012), on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I shall also brief Council members on the most recent developments in Iraq. Ten years after the fall of the former regime and less than two years after the withdrawal of United States forces, Iraq's transition toward democracy and prosperity is in a crucial phase.”
2013-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7002 (2013) · source
“I hope that Iraq will remain determined and steadfast in this very challenging time and take advantage of this rich endowment to further advance the country. With the support of Member States, UNAMI will continue to assist the people and the Government of Iraq in its mandated tasks. I wish to thank the Government of Iraq for its cooperation during 2013, as in previous years. I wish to place on record my deep thanks to the Security Council for its continued support.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I very much welcome the Government's efforts to work towards a youth agenda. With the support of the United Nations Population Fund, a national youth strategy will be launched in the second quarter of 2013. In February, I visited three different holy places in Baghdad with 30 young Iraqis of different faiths and backgrounds. Together we sat in shrines, churches and temples in order to discuss what unites us, along with our differences. I saw first-hand that reconciliation in Iraq can truly begin with the young. UNAMI will continue to provide a platform for young people to express themselves, be empowered and vocalize the actions that will build their country. In closing, I am reminded that the Iraqi people are blessed with three important assets: a rich and ancient culture; a Vibrant young population; and natural wealth.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“A trust fund has been established for that effort, and I appeal to Member States, especially those affected by dust storms in the region, to contribute resources. I also welcome the initiative of the Government of the United Arab Emirates to host the next regional meeting to discuss further concrete steps. As in all my previous briefings to the Council, I would like to conclude by touching on the urgent problems facing the youth of Iraq. After the devastating effect of war, and caught amid a soaring political crisis, Iraq's youth are largely left to fend for themselves. Youth unemployment stands at 23 per cent. I have made young people a priority because, with their potential and passion, they are the future of Iraq. They will carry forward efforts towards the stability, security and prosperity that all Iraqis seek to build.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“On matters related to the environment, dust storms have increasingly become a major problem for the Iraqi people and the region. The dust storms in the region are mainly generated in Iraq. From airports to agricultural lands, dust storms extract a heavy annual economic toll amounting to billions. Dust storms also place significant strain on public health. Hospitals are overwhelmed with persons requiring treatment for respiratory conditions caused by dust. Last month, Ijoined the environment ministers of regional Governments at a meeting in Nairobi hosted by UNEP. We established a clear political agreement on the need to address the issue of sand and dust storms. UNEP will lead in the creation of a regional programme, in partnership with Governments, the private sector and civil society.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I wish to reiterate the Secretary-General's call on Iraq to consider a moratorium on all executions in accordance with relevant General Assembly resolutions. Respect for the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities also remains inconsistent. Those groups face discrimination and other social, cultural and legal barriers to their full participation in the economic, social and political life of Iraq. Despite the problems noted, Iraq is making progress in establishing the High Commission for Human Rights, with the active support of the Government of Iraq and the assistance of the United Nations. The Commission will serve as a cornerstone of an Iraqi-owned and -led system to guarantee the protection, respect and promotion of the human rights of all of Iraq's citizens in future.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Returnees and the displaced lack access to basic services, proper public health facilities and schools. I call on the Government to increase the amount and speed of delivery of assistance it provides to Iraqi returnees from Syria. I also call on the Government to ensure the swift reintegration of Iraqi returnees. I would like to turn now to the broader human rights situation in Iraq, and specifically the administration of justice. That is an area that continues to be of concern. Many detainees continue to complain of abuse, mistreatment and torture, in particular in prisons under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior. Every case of torture is one case too many. Confessions under duress are unacceptable. Courts continue to be underresourced, which causes long delays in processing cases, often beyond lawful limits.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I would like to commend the Government of Iraq for the generosity and hospitality it has shown to the individuals and families seeking safety and security in Iraq. I call on the Government to extend its generosity by reopening the Al-Qaim and Rabia border crossing points. I also appeal to all Member States to urgently step up their contributions to the refugee response plan, which still requires funding beyond June 2013. In addition, approximately 80,000 Iraqis have fled Syria to return to Iraq in the past few months. They fall into the larger group of 1.2 million internally displaced persons. Both returnees and IDPs are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The majority of those persons live in informal settlements and constantly face the threat of eviction. Those settlements are in appalling condition.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Having spoken at length about the group of 3,200 members of the Moj ahedin-e Khalq in Iraq, I would like to note that our far larger humanitarian effort is focused on three groups: Syrian refugees, returnees from Syria and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Iraq currently hosts nearly 120,000 Syrian nationals who have fled to Iraq seeking safety and humanitarian assistance. Most of the Syrian refugee population is currently located in the Kurdistan region. An average of 800 individuals enters the country every day. UNHCR is leading the humanitarian country team in conducting a massive emergency operation to respond to the refugees' humanitarian needs. That operation will support the Government of Iraq in ensuring that the refugees are protected and assisted.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Finally, I also appeal to the camp leadership not to prevent residents who wish to leave the camp from doing so, to cooperate with the Iraqi authorities when it comes to medical treatment, and to abstain from aggressive behaviour against our United Nations monitors. United Nations monitors must be able to freely interact with the residents of Camp Hurriya. I would like to thank Member States, in particular the United States, and the European Union for their financial contributions and their support for the efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution of the issue of Camp Ashraf and Camp Hurriya. I also wish, in the meantime, to recognize the hard work of 136 United Nations staff members, including 60 security personnel, who are actively working on the file.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Yet, despite additional offers being made, the residents of Camp Hurriya continue to boycott relocation interviews with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). I join the Secretary-General in urging the residents to fully cooperate with UNHCR. Offers must be accepted. Secondly, there are 100 residents remaining at Camp Ashraf who refuse to join the larger group at Camp Hurriya until the completion of property negotiations. I encourage both the Government of Iraq and the residents to constructively engage with one another to promptly resolve the matter. I urge the residents to designate lawyers for that purpose.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“The Government remains responsible for the safety and security of the residents in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Nations on 25 December 2011. The Government has assured me that it will spare no effort in preventing further attacks. We face two major problems. First, the only durable solution is to relocate the residents outside of Iraq. I visited Albania on 15 March for talks with Prime Minister Berisha. I welcome the decision by the Government ofAlbania to accept 210 residents as early as next month. I sincerely thank the Albanian Government for that humanitarian gesture. Albania is thus the first country to accept a large number of residents. I urge other Member States to take similar steps.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“More than a year has passed since UNAMI began its considerable efforts to facilitate the humanitarian transfer of the residents of Camp Ashraf to the temporary transit location of Camp Hurriya and their relocation to third countries. I wish to reiterate my best wishes today on the occasion of Nowruz, in particular to the residents of Camp Hurriya and Camp Ashraf. The urgency of relocating residents outside of Iraq was underlined on 9 February, when an attack on Camp Hurriya killed eight residents and injured an additional 40 persons. The Secretary-General, I and others have condemned that attack in no uncertain terms. I have fully supported requests made at the highest levels of the Government of Iraq to improve security at Camp Hurriya.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I sensed the potential for relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia to be strengthened in a number of fields, including a prisoner exchange based on the agreement reached between the two sides - it would be a noble gesture if an agreement could be reached before the holy month of Ramadan; the opening of a border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with its 800 kilometre-long border; and the active and committed participation of both countries in a new regional initiative led by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to combat sand and dust storms. I urge the two countries to build upon the recent Visit of a high- level Iraqi delegation to Riyadh. The restoration of normal relations would benefit the two peoples, the two countries and the region.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I sincerely hope that progress in that area will lead to consensus on further outstanding issues, including the file on missing Kuwaiti nationals and property. During my most recent visit to Kuwait on 5 March, I sensed a spirit of optimism within the Kuwaiti leadership. Therefore, it is with much anticipation that I welcome the upcoming visit of Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Baghdad in the near future. In December, I visited Saudi Arabia.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“By doing so, it aims to fully take up its rightful place in the Arab world, the region and the international community. I have mentioned the progress achieved towards the normalization of relations between Iraq and Kuwait, including through Iraq's positive steps towards fulfilling its remaining obligations under Chapter VII of the Charter. A major milestone in that process will be the completion of boundary maintenance work. The finalization of the removal of obstacles along the border, in particular the three houses in Umm Qasr, is a necessary step. Understandably, that step is sensitive and politically difficult for Iraq. However, it must be done by 31 March. I also urge the Government of Iraq to accept the funds set aside with the United Nations for the compensation of Iraqi farmers pursuant to resolution 899 (1994).”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“As the Independent High Electoral Commission is continuing the technical preparations for the elections in all 14 provinces, I have called on the Government and Electoral Commission to ensure that elections can take place as scheduled in apeaceful and secure environment. I wish to commend the leadership of the High Electoral Commission, in particular, Chairman Sarbast Rasheed, as well as the dedicated commissioners and staff of the Commission and polling stations, for their excellent work. They are often subject to considerable pressure. Unfortunately, and despite our efforts, there has been no consensus on passing the law on holding elections in Kirkuk province. Iraq is committed to strengthening its relations with its neighbours.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I call on the Parliament and the political blocs to reach a consensus on those laws without further delay. I wish to renew my offer of good offices to the parties, and call upon their goodwill. The sharing of the immense natural resources of Iraq in a fair and equitable way is a must, and a prerequisite to rebuilding the trust. We will continue to build trust no matter how difficult it is. Iraq is set to hold provincial council elections in less than one month from today. On 19 March, the Cabinet in Iraq decided that the council elections in the Ninewa and Anbar provinces would be postponed by six months, with reference to the deteriorating security conditions in those locations. I have expressed my concern about that decision, as the citizens of those provinces are looking forward to those elections with great hope.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I have called on all of Iraq's leaders and religious authorities to rise as one to stop the bloodshed. Relations between the central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government continue to be strained. Kirkuk remains the flashpoint for Arab- Kurdish relations. On 16 January, for example, a series of attacks resulted in 26 deaths and the wounding of 190 other individuals. The absence of President Talabani, who has had a truly stabilizing role in Iraq, is bitterly felt. I wish him a speedy recovery. I strongly encourage talks to continue between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga on the withdrawal and relocation of troops. To bring about fruitful relations between the central and regional Governments, the passage of the revenue-sharing and hydrocarbon laws will be crucial.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“The deep- seated lack of trust threatens the political fabric and the social bonds that should bring Iraqis together in one united, federal country on the basis of the Constitution. Members of each and every ethnic and social group continue to be the target of acts of terrorism, assassination and kidnapping, including while practicing their faith. Terrorists seek to ignite sectarian conflict and turn the clock back on Iraq's nascent stability. In total, acts of terrorism from November 2012 to the end of February 2013 claimed the lives of almost 1,300 civilians. More than 3,000 innocent Iraqis have been wounded. Furthermore, almost 600 Iraqi security forces have been killed and 1,000 injured as a result of those atrocious terrorist acts. I have condemned those acts in the strongest possible terms.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“We keep an equal distance from all sides. We offer our good offices, whether for mediation, convening, or witnessing, any negotiated agreement. However, secondly, UNAMI is not neutral on human rights. We have spoken up against the increasing use of sectarian language. We have advocated the principle of non-violence, including to the demonstrators. We have called on the Government to exercise the utmost restraint. Thirdly, UNAMI urges the Government to respond to those popular demands that can be addressed in the short term, and to do so immediately. Other demands will require more time for a response. The demonstrations have been under way for nearly three months. However, the mistrust among the components of Iraq ~ Shia, Sunni and Kurd and other communities - goes much deeper.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Combined with decisions on other issues, the al-Shahristani committee claims that its decisions have covered roughly 100,000 individuals. A second committee, under the chairmanship of the head of the National Alliance, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, is focused on finding common language for three pieces of highly contentious legislation, naemly, the law on counter-terrorism, the accountability and justice law, and a new general amnesty law. In that regard, tangible results still have to be achieved. Since the onset of demonstrations, I have sought to advance inclusive and direct political dialogue and national reconciliation. I have offered our good offices, first as a means of relaying information between the demonstrators and the Government. I have expressed our approach as follows. First, UNAMI is an impartial actor.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“The Government has taken a number of initiatives to address the demands of the demonstrators. I have welcomed those efforts, which have yielded some results. One such initiative was the establishment of a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein al-Shahristani. The committee has reported that it has facilitated the release of approximately 3,400 prisoners. In addition, all female prisoners have been transferred to their home governorates, where they will serve the remainder of their sentences. Those measures are in direct response to the demands of the demonstrators. The committee has also reinstated pension payments for 11,000 public-sector retirees who were members of the former Baath regime.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Since late December, tens of thousands of demonstrators in Iraq's western provinces have taken to the streets to voice their grievances. Their demands are centred around issues of human rights and access to basic services. They feel unprotected, insecure and excluded. My colleagues and I witnessed that firsthand in Ramadi, Samarra, Mosul, Fallujah, Tikrit and Kirkuk. Around the country, we listened to the demonstrators' frustrations. Over time, they spoke more harshly and proposed more radical solutions. The volatility on the streets is also reflected at the political level. The ministers of the Al-Iraqiya Sunni bloc continue their boycott of Cabinet meetings, which has lasted for almost three months. Political coalitions are weakening. In essence, the political fabric is fraying.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“That event affirmed the strong desire of the leaders of Iraq and Kuwait to open a new chapter in their relations, which have been heavily burdened by history. However, a few days later, on 4 March, more than 40 Syrian soldiers and 10 Iraqis were killed inside Iraqi territory. This week, a series of atrocious terrorist attacks added more innocent persons to the long list of victims of such attacks. My condolences go the families of the victims and to the people of Iraq. Those incidents demonstrate how Iraqis face a complex set of interrelated problems, among them the very real potential for a spillover of Violence from Syria. Such destabilization would add to and fuel the existing political and security challenges facing Iraq, which threaten the achievements of the past decade.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“Mr. Kobler: At the outset, let me take this opportunity to wish happy Nowruz to all those who celebrate on 21 March. I am honoured to present to the Council today the second report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/154) pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2061 (2012), on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I shall also brief Council members on the most recent developments in Iraq. I would like to begin by describing two significant and contrasting events that recently took place in Iraq. On 27 February, Iraqi Airways flight number 157 landed at Kuwait International Airport. That historic flight was the first after the 22-year halt in commercial air traffic between Iraq and Kuwait.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6937 (2013) · source
“I know that I can continue to count on UNAMI's dedicated staff to work on members' behalf towards those goals. I would particularly thank the Government of Iraq for its cooperation during this year. I look forward to another year of good cooperation in 2013. Last but not least, I thank the Security Council for its continued support throughout the year.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Iurge the residents to engage constructively with the Government of Iraq and the United Nations so that Camp New Iraq can be closed peacefully and efforts can focus on the residents' resettlement to third countries. In conclusion, in the face of the many challenges ahead that I outlined earlier in my briefing, it is imperative that Iraq stay the course to complete its transition to an inclusive democracy, provide stability and prosperity for its people and exercise a positive influence in the region. With the support of Member States, UNAMI will continue to assist the people and Government of Iraq in those truly worthy endeavours. I regret to say that the substantial cut of $30 million to UNAMI's budget next year will require that we do more with less.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I call on the residents of Camp Ashraf to cooperate with the Government of Iraq on solving all outstanding questions related to property. We have already come a long way. I also call upon the Government of Iraq to continue the peaceful relocation of the residents, as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding, to demonstrate restraint and to be as flexible as possible when it comes to resolving property-related issues. The United Nations monitors in Camp Hurriya monitor the human rights and humanitarian situation of the residents on a daily basis. However, they are often denied access to certain areas of the camp by the residents. That hinders the performance of their duties. They are working hard in an impartial manner under very difficult circumstances. They have my full confidence.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Currently, only 100 residents remain in Camp New Iraq, while more than 3,100 residents have been peacefully transferred to Camp Hurriya, near Baghdad. The Government of Iraq insists on closing Camp Ashraf in the next few days. It has requested that the last 100 residents to be relocated to Camp Hurriya. For obvious reasons, UNAMI cannot be directly involved in negotiations on the Camp Ashraf property. My colleagues and I, however, have spared no efforts over the past weeks to facilitate meetings between various merchants and the Government of Iraq. Regretably, to date those efforts have been unsuccessful, leading to a stalemate over the past weeks. The Government of Iraq considers that stalemate as an attempt by the residents to delay the relocation of the remaining 100 persons. The Government of Iraq's patience is therefore wearing thin.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I also call on the Government of Iraq to reopen the Al-Qaim crossing point so that vulnerable people in need of protection be able to leave Syria. Only 30 per cent of the third refugee response plan is covered, and many refugees continue to pour into Iraq on a daily basis. I therefore appeal to all Member States to step up and cover the remaining 70 per cent of the plan. Finally, I wish to emphasize that Camp Hurriya was only meant to be an interim facility. As the process is now well in progress, I should like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Secretary-General's appeal to Member States to offer resettlement opportunities to former residents of Camp Ashraf. Without such an undertaking, there can be no sustainable solution for the residents.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“The United Nations is working closely with the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration to respond to the situation. The humanitarian country team continues to monitor the situation, and coordinates regularly with partners and Government authorities to ensure preparedness and an efficient and timely response. It has developed contingency plans in-line with the United Nations Syria regional refugee response plan, which are continuously updated in response to emerging developments. Efforts are also taking place to ensure that camps are fully equipped and prepared for the coming winter and that necessary equipment is distributed to refuges and returnees, such as blankets, kerosene and prefabricated structures instead of tents.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I have attended several meetings to promote regional approaches to such transboundary issues, and I am actively working with the Government of Iraq and the United Nations Environment Programme to hold a symposium on dust storms in southern Iraq in early 2013. Complementary efforts by UNAMI and the country team have ensured a timely and effective response to the humanitarian dimension in Iraq of the ongoing conflict in Syria, including a range of protection and relief activities. The flow of refugees has already exceeded projected numbers. As of 26 November, there were more than 50,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq. In addition, alsmost 55,000 Iraqis have returned from Syria since 18 July. We anticipate that the influx will continue, thereby swelling the numbers of those displaced.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“We will also sustain our efforts to promote gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women. For example, we are supporting access to justice for women, as well as training police officers to provide legal assistance to women survivors of gender-based violence. The exploitation of the environment and natural resources has far-reaching implications for the future of Iraq, which encompass political, security and developmental priorities. In particular, the generation of harmful dust storms continues to increase, bringing with them associated health hazards and hampering economic activity. UNAMI and the country team continue to work closely together on that important issue.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Despite that, indicators point to high education dropout rates, while Iraqi youths continue to suffer from an unemployment reate of almost 20 per cent and low levels of civic participation and engagement. To address those worrying trends, I have established a youth advisory group and appointed two young Iraqi youth ambassadors to strengthen United Nations advocacy, including through social and media outreach activities. To generate and mobilize the Government's commitment, we are also promoting youth-orientated initiatives, including a youth parliament and a national human development report on youth for 2012, led by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Development Programme, which has included a consultation process with 1,800 youths in all governorates.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I continue to reiterate the Secretary-General's call in his report for the Government of Iraq to consider a moratorium on all executions, in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolutions. As I indicated to the Council in my last briefing, UNAMI will continue its close partnership with the country team, with a particular focus on three key areas with important political, developmental and governance implications, namely, youth, women and the environment. Youth is a critical, but neglected, demographic in Iraq. The National Development Plan and the current development assistance framework highlight the importance of investing in youth.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“UNAMI and the country team continue their efforts to strengthen the High Commission for Human Rights, which has yet to become fully operational, as well as the Ministry of Human Rights and civil society organizations. Those are key partners in monitoring the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights - a milestone document that represents the Government's commitment to implement recommendations from the universal periodic review process under the auspices of the Human Rights Council. To date this year, 123 people have been executed in Iraq, 53 of them since July. The latest executions were carried out on ll November, when 11 convicts were executed, including one Egyptian.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“But I am concerned by the investment climate, the impact of Iraq's red tape and the role of the public sector. Iraq's State apparatus continues to be affected by corruption and capacity shortfalls, which undermine governance and limit the delivery of services. That is exacerbating discontent, in a context where natural resources are abundant and the public's expectations for better standards ofliving remain partly unfulfilled. In support of Iraq's efforts to build its institutions to provide good governance and the rule of law, UNAMI and its partners in the United Nations country team intend to increase their efforts to strengthen the independence and capacity of State institutions, including the Federal Supreme Court, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights and the Ministry of Human Rights.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“The commitment of Iraq to fulfil those obligations will be conducive to the normalization of relations between the two countries. I also equally call on the Government of Kuwait to continue to act in a spirit of flexibility and reciprocity, as reflected earlier this year by the important reciprocal visits of the Amir to Baghdad and the Prime Minister to Kuwait. On a different note, I remain fully committed to continue to work with both Governments to resolve bilateral issues, at their requestI am hopeful that agreement between Kuwait and Iraq on the cancelation of pending lawsuits against Iraqi Airways and on navigational rights in the Khor Abdullah waterway will facilitate improved relations between the two neighbours. Iraq is a rich country, in both natural and human resources.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I very much hope that they will now be able to move quickly. They can count on the United Nations in that regard. I am happy to report to the Council today that I spoke to Foreign Minister Zebari this morning. He informed me that, first, his Government had today nominated the names for the technical team of the border maintenance project and that, secondly, the Government would start immediately to update the list of farmers entitled to compensation. A meeting with the farmers will take place as soon as possible. I welcome those steps and call on the Government of Iraq to initiate work on the border maintenance project without further delay. I also appeal to the Government of Iraq to continue to demonstrate the goodwill necessary to fulfil Iraq's other outstanding obligations, in particular with regard to missing persons and property.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source